Method and system for determining a least cost path for routing international communications traffic

ABSTRACT

A method, system, and medium for determining a least-cost, international-routing path to communicate data across a telecommunications network are provided. The path implementation variables can be presented on a user interface or used to automatically generate a switch update transaction that implements the path. The method includes identifying variables that affect the determination of a least-cost path, receiving data values that correspond to the variables, and presenting the data values so that the path can be determined in response to observing the variables. Confidence and route testing can be conducted using the present invention.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to the field of telecommunications. More particularly, the present invention provides a new and useful method for efficiently and economically implementing international routing, inclusive of cost and network elements.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In a telecommunications setting, “routing” refers to at least defining a network configuration through a workflow process. Due to the competitive global market, establishing international routes to communicate traffic is a complex process absent the present invention.

When few variables were needed to be taken into consideration to route international traffic, various prior-art methods were used. One such method employed text-based email. Routes are implemented based on information that is entered into and contained within switch routing tables. A switch contains many data tables, establishes numerous routes, and manages the flow of traffic to and from international countries. In this prior-art method, a person referred to as a “planner” would retrieve data related to establishing an international route. With only very few variables to consider, the planner would determine a network configuration and send an email to a “switch translations analyst” who would implement the change in the appropriate switch. This system and method is limited to environments where very few variables need to be considered. Moreover, this prior-art method is prone to errors because it uses a crude text based email system. It is impossible to deliver meaningful analysis from crude text based data. Switch commands sent by a planner could be erroneously entered, thus leaving greater room for error.

The switch translations analyst does not have access to the data available to planners. Accordingly, the switch translations analyst may have no way of knowing that the planner's instructions are erroneous. Invalid commands in the switch would disrupt communications between customers and its services. A slightly better system method can be found in a simple database prior-art system.

The simple database architecture provided a central repository for text-based instructions that were formerly communicated via email. Even in this prior-art system, a planner must gather from a variety of sources the data necessary to formulate the routing instructions for a switch translations analyst to update the switch. Gathering the information to determine what routing scenario is the most economical becomes even more cumbersome as additional variables must be considered.

A final exemplary prior-art system used to determine the least-cost pathway to route international traffic involves a strained collaboration between at least three parties. Such a collaborative system involves a first group who negotiates the cost of service associated with the use of minutes of international bandwidth. A second group receives instructions from the first group and then pieces other network and data variables together in an attempt to communicate the appropriate least-cost routing path to the translations department. Such a structure is not adequate to support changing business requirements and lacks a solid architecture and database structure upon which to build additional functionality.

This prior-art system still captures work orders as freeform text. A still more significant, albeit common, shortcoming of this prior-art system is that no one entity has all the information needed to both negotiate buying international call time and to determine network elements for the international route. That is, the negotiations group is often unaware of the actual bandwidth needs of the carrier or the network details and the network analyst, who determines the network configuration, is unaware of what is available to purchase.

The reason for this disconnect is that the prior art does not offer a system that receives all the variables necessary to determine a least-cost route and present those variables on a single user interface so that a routing request can be determined. The current state of the art could be improved by providing such a system. Moreover, the art could be improved by providing a system that incorporates a rules engine to automatically construct a switch update and automatically send it to the switch(s) necessary to implement the routing request.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention solves at least the above problems by providing a system and method for determining least-cost routing that receives all the variables necessary to make the determination and presents them on a single user interface. The present invention is a database-centered application for determining and implementing the most economical call routing path from a set of inputs. The present invention has several practical applications in the technical arts including providing resourceful management of nondirect routing opportunities, identification of routing opportunities, communication with carriers, implementation of routing for new carriers and/or new locations, routing to existing carriers, and quality assurance of resourceful routes including their dial plan information.

In one aspect of the invention, a system is implemented in a telecommunications-networking environment and includes a data-receiving component. The data-receiving component receives all of the data values that affect the determination of the routing path. A memory is included for storing the data values. Finally, a user interface presents the data values on a display device. A user observing the user interface can more easily, accurately, and efficiently determine a routing path based on the variables.

In another aspect of the invention, a method for determining the least expensive path to route international communications is provided. The method includes identifying the variables that affect determining the least-cost route, receiving the data values that correspond to the variables, and presenting the plurality of data values on a single user interface.

In another aspect of the invention, a method is provided for ensuring that no overlap exists with dialed digits. Each dial plan is linked to a core database to ensure accuracy and quality of service.

Although the present invention is defined by the provided claims, it satisfies several objects. A nonexhaustive list of objects of the present invention include: to better manage nondirect routing opportunities; to better identify routing opportunities; to improve communications with other carriers; to reduce time required to implement routing for a new carrier; to reduce time required to route to an existing carrier; and/or to improve ongoing quality assurance of routes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram depicting a suitable operating environment for practicing the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a first screen shot of the present invention depicting a first exemplary function of the present invention: building International Direct Distance Dialing (IDDD) routing including the cost of service, specific switch termination, allocation, and city code data;

FIG. 3 is a second screen shot of the present invention having a split screen depicting a second exemplary function of the present invention: presenting a configuration summary and a work order change summary relating to switch-translations changes;

FIG. 4 is a third screen shot of the present invention depicting a third exemplary function of the present invention: presenting a historical log of open and closed work orders;

FIG. 5 is a fourth screen shot of the present invention depicting a fourth exemplary function of the present invention: presenting a work queue that is specific to one or more entities based on user logon and/or associated department or manual selections;

FIG. 6 is a fifth screen shot of the present invention depicting a fifth exemplary function of the present invention: referencing city groups and their associated dial plans to the International City Service Database;

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram depicting an exemplary method for conducting confidence testing for newly built carrier trunk groups; and

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram depicting an exemplary method for proactively conducting routing testing prior to route implementation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention efficiently and accurately determines switch-update configurations to send to one or more switches that will establish a least-cost routing path for international communications.

Acronyms and Shorthand Notations

Throughout the disclosure of the present invention, several acronyms and shorthand notations are used to aid the understanding of certain concepts pertaining to the associated system and services. These acronyms and shorthand notations are solely intended for the purpose of providing an easy methodology of communicating the ideas expressed herein and are in no way meant to limit the scope of the present invention. The following is a list of these acronyms:

CD ROM Compact Disc - Read Only Memory DVD Digital Versatile Discs EEPROM Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory ICSD International City Service Database IDD International Direct Dialing IDDD International Direct Distance Dialing LAN Local Area Network LCR Least Cost Routing MAN Metropolitan Area Network MMI Machine-to-Machine Interface PBX Private Branch Exchange PSTN Public Switched Telecommunications/Telephone Network RAM Random Access Memory ROM Ready Only Memory VoIP Voice over IP VPN Virtual Private Network WAN Wide Area Network

Further, various telecom technical terms are used throughout this disclosure. A definition of such terms can be found in Newton's Telecom Dictionary by H. Newton, 18th Updated and Expanded Edition (2002). These definitions are intended to provide a clearer understanding of the ideas disclosed herein but are in no way intended to limit the scope of the present invention. The definitions and terms should be interpreted broadly and liberally to the extent allowed by the art and the meaning of the words offered in the above cited reference.

As one skilled in the art will appreciate, the present invention may be embodied as, among other things: a method, a data communications system, or a computer program product. Accordingly, the present invention may take the form of a hardware embodiment, a software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention takes the form of a computer program product that includes computer useable instructions embodied on a computer readable medium.

Computer-readable media include both volatile and nonvolatile media, removable and nonremovable media, and contemplate media readable by a database, a switch, and various other network devices. Network switches, routers, and related components are conventional in nature, as are means of communicating with the same. By way of example, and not limitation, Computer-readable media comprise Computer-storage media and communications media.

Computer-storage media, or machine-readable media, include media implemented in any method or technology for storing information. Examples of stored information include computer useable instructions, data structures, program modules, and other data representations. Computer-storage media include, but are not limited to RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD ROM, digital versatile discs (DVD), holographic media or other optical disc storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage, and other magnetic storage devices. These memory components can store data momentarily, temporarily, or permanently.

Communications media typically store computer useable instructions—including data structures and program modules—in a modulated data signal. The term “modulated data signal” refers to a propagated signal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed to encode information in the signal. An exemplary modulated data signal includes a carrier wave or other transport mechanism. Communications media include any information delivery media. By way of example but not limitation, communications media include wired media, such as a wired network or direct wired connection, and wireless media such as acoustic, infrared, radio, microwave, spread spectrum, and other wireless media technologies. Combinations of the above are included within the scope of Computer-readable media.

Least Cost Routing

As previously mentioned, the present invention is a database centered application for determining, presenting, and implementing the most economical international call routing path based on a set of inputs.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a suitable operating environment for practicing the present invention, referenced generally by the numeral 100. System 100 enables a user to implement and communicate international switched voice routing. System 100 enables a user to manage cost of service, routing implementation processes, route-testing processes, and quality checks regarding dialed digits. In addition to routing voice, system 100 can be used to implement future technologies such as hard patch, voice over IP (VoIP) and other technologies, as one skilled in the art would appreciate.

Call routing is implemented via switch translations by application 110. In a preferred embodiment, application 110 is an ORACLE® database. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that alternative referential databases could also be used to implement application 110. In one embodiment, application 110 runs on a general-purpose computer. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that a general-purpose computer is conventional in nature and includes an operating system, input/output peripherals, storage devices, memory, and other components that cooperatively work together to run an application such as application 110.

Application 110 receives network information 112. Network information 112 includes data related to the communications networks of one or more carriers. A carrier is at least a provider of telecommunications services. Telecommunications networks are made up of switches, routers, gateways, etc., as is well known in the art. Network information 112 is processed by application 110 so that application 110 can determine available routing paths. A first set of network information 112 includes trunk identification data 114. A trunk is a communication line between two switching systems. The communication line can be either wired or nonwired. A switching system typically includes equipment in a Central Office (CO) and/or Private Branch Exchange (PBX).

The trunks of a communications network are identified using some sort of nomenclature. For example, an exemplary trunk name may be “FTW313.” Alpha characters represent the type of trunk. In this example, ‘F’=Foreign; ‘T’=Terrestrial; ‘R’=Radio; and ‘W’=two way (but could be ‘I’=inbound or O=outbound). The numeric values are preferably different for each unique trunk group. All valid trunks on a communications network of system 100 are identified including their associated country and carrier names. This information is received by application 110 and processed to determine potential trunks that could be used to provide a routing path. As previously mentioned, the preferred application of the present invention is in an international call routing environment. Thus, the remainder of the various examples provided herein will be applicable to an international call routing environment, however, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the teachings described herein are applicable to environments other than international call routing.

Valid trunk data 116 is also provided to application 110. Valid trunk data is data indicating which trunks of a communications network are valid and capable of communicating traffic. Packet based data could also be communicated via the present invention. Packet based data communication is used in a variety of applications such as sending data across the Internet or communicating VoIP data. Application 110 receives valid trunk data 116 to determine which of the identifying trunks are available to transmit and receive data. If a trunk becomes damaged, application 110 processes this information to reroute traffic. For example, if an earthquake or other natural event renders a trunk unavailable, the valid trunk data 116 updates application 110 that the relevant trunk is unavailable. Application 110 can be used to reroute traffic accordingly.

Naming conventions 118 are also received by application 110. Countries, carriers, and other devices may have different names and different naming conventions. These naming conventions are relayed via naming conventions data 118 to application 110.

Dialed digits data 120 is also received by application 110. Dialed digits data refer to the digits that need to be dialed to establish a communications link. Application 110 ensures that when a customer reaches a desired destination when dialing digits that are supposed to correspond to that certain country, city, province or services (i.e. mobile). Most countries have corresponding international country codes. For instance, the country code of the United States is the numeral “1.” The international country code of Albania is “355.” Dialed digits data 120 also include data related to country codes as well as to any international prefix or national prefix necessary to facilitate a call.

Thus, an International Direct Dialing (IDD) prefix is the international prefix needed to dial a call from a country to another country. To illustrate, the United States has a country code of “1” and an IDD prefix of “011.” The country of Azerbaijan has a country code of “994.” Moreover, within the country of Azerbaijan, various cities have certain city codes also. For instance, the city code for Baku is “12.” Thus, to make a call from the United States to Baku, Azerbaijan, one would need to dial “011+994+12+[the remaining number].” This dialing information is contemplated within a scope of dialed digits data 120. The trunks of a communications network must be configured such that a person making a call from the United States to Baku actually reaches Baku, when dialing “011+994+12+ . . . ” Application 110 receives the dialed digits data 120 and uses it to ensure that calls are routed to the proper countries and cities/services. Application 110 greatly aids determining a least-cost route by centralizing access to the hundreds of calling codes related to the countries and cities/services of the world. Application 110 can reference a city service directory, which contains directory codes for various cities throughout the world.

Cost information 124 is also provided to application 110. Cost information 124 includes all information related to the various costs associated with establishing a routing path. Exemplary cost information includes costs associated with making an international call from one country's landline to another country's landline. Other exemplary cost information includes costs associated with phoning a mobile or satellite customer. Calling a mobile phone overseas is typically priced differently than phoning the same recipient on a landline. Costs may also vary based on the day of the month or even the time of the day. Costs may also vary depending on the negotiated allocation agreement between two carriers. All such cost information is included within cost information 124. Other cost information that is contemplated within a scope of cost information 124 includes the costs of using an alternative carrier or a reseller.

If a first choice carrier does not have the infrastructure required or ability to complete a desired call, resources of an alternative carrier may be needed. Using this alternative carrier may affect the price establishing an international communications link. This information is received by application 110 in making a determination of the least-cost, international-routing path. Those skilled in the art will appreciate additional costs associated with establishing an international-routing path, and those too are contemplated within the scope of the invention.

Quality data 126 is also provided. Quality data is received and a determination is made as to whether changes to international call routing paths need to be made. One aspect of quality data 126 includes grade-of-service 128.

The grade-of-service components(s) 128 include data that relates to a specific grade-of-service for a communications line. Grade-of-service data 128 can be used to estimate customer satisfaction with a certain aspect of service in light of potential problems such as echoing, blocking, noisiness, connecting rate, etc. For example, if the noise grade-of-service is 85 percent for a specified distribution of noise, that means that 85 percent of the customers assess the service to be acceptable. Various grade-of-service measures can apply to all aspects of telecommunications networks. In some situations, grade-of-service equates only with the probability of a call being blocked. Generally though, grade-of-service relates to the blocking probability. If a grade-of-service 128 drops below a threshold level, application 110 can present this data to make available additional trunks or additional routing means to increase the grade-of-service.

Another type of quality data 126 is answer/seizure ratio data 130. The answer/seizure ratio is the ratio of answers to seizures of circuits and measures the effectiveness of a telecommunications service offering. The answer/seizure ratio 130 relates the number of line seizures with the number of answered or completed calls. The more destination devices that are available, the higher the answer/seizure ratio. The present invention can accept various answer/seizure ratio values based on the type of service offered. For instance, the application may be programmed not to take corrective measures until various answer/seizure ratios are reached for various types of services. For example, an answer/seizure ratio may differ based on whether the line is a direct sale, a resale, a transit/hub, or a mobile customer. The application processes answer/seizure ratios based on the type of service offered and can implement corrective measures when an answer/seizure ratio dips below a prescribed value. The answer/seizure ratio refers to the percentage of calls placed that actually complete to a terminating end. For instance, an answer/seizure ratio of 15 percent for India means that approximately 15 percent of calls being made from a certain place are reaching India and terminating properly. Typically, the answer/seizure ratio 130 is higher for calls made from countries with more robust telecommunications infrastructure. Accordingly, if the answer/seizure ratio 130 drops below a threshold level, the application can make changes to increase the answer/seizure ratio 130. By increasing the answer/seizure ratio, a greater percentage of calls placed will actually reach and terminate at their desired destination.

Load balancing data 132 is also received as part of quality data 126. Load balancing refers to the practice of splitting communication into multiple switches. Communication is made faster and more reliable by balancing traffic on each switch. Changing switch(s) and inner machine trunk terminations can balance traffic on a telecommunications network. Accordingly, if a carrier observes that a disproportionate amount of traffic is being communicated between two locations, a greater allocation of resources can be dedicated to that communication, increasing its reliability and speed. The load balancing data 132 is communicated to application 110 so that application 110 can make a determination as to the most applicable routes to communicate international traffic based on the current load balancing statistics.

Another form of quality data 126 includes allocation data. Allocation data allows information for each carrier and the agreed to percentage of traffic negotiated for each route. The data is provided to help determine if the traffic is truly completing to the agreed to destination and commitments for each carrier are being met. Corrective measures can be implemented if necessary.

Reporting data 134 allows application 110 to provide reports to users that can be used to communicate statuses of the network. One exemplary report includes a rank report. A rank report shows the routing alternatives ranked by cost and qualified by status. This report preferably includes country/carrier specific gateways. Another exemplary report could be a switch/rank report. A switch/rank report depicts the routing alternatives for each international switch, ranked by cost point and qualified by status. This report can include country/carrier specific gateways, as well as an allocation and monthly equivalent traffic information. Other reports can be sourced by reporting data that provide cost routing information used by Carrier Services to understand the cost and route alternatives available to a carrier in determining international switched voice traffic as well as other data traffic.

In a preferred embodiment, reports are available via a Web interface and provide the user with an option to download the reports in a spreadsheet type format. Those skilled in the art will appreciate alternative formats that lend themselves to intuitive data assimilation. Reports based on organization process intervals and route transaction volumes by product can be generated using reporting data 134. Route transaction workflow can be measured via time intervals and volumes by product type, country, days, weeks, months or even years. Measurements can be in normal or business hours. Reporting data can also include workflow information related to routes from application 110.

Reporting data 134 can also be used to gather data on a periodic basis from financial groups representing revenues generated by carrier and destination countries associated with various routing scenarios. Reporting data 134 can also include data necessary to determine routing transaction volumes generated by carrier and destination countries associated with various routing scenarios and/or corresponding hours to route.

Graphical data depictions can also be produced by application 110 using reporting data 134. An exemplary graphical depiction could include a graph showing the top ten revenue producers. Those skilled in the art will appreciate additional graphical depictions that could be generated from reporting data 134 or any inputted data received by application 110.

Trouble management data 136 is also received by application 110. Trouble management data 136 includes data relating to various problems that occur throughout a communications network. Routers go offline, trunks become disrupted, gateways become overburdened, and other problems can occur throughout a network. When such trouble is sensed, data can be included into application 110, which can then present or take corrective action and reallocate routes based on the valid trunk data 116 or any other data inputted into application 110. Trouble management data 136 can also include prescribed measures to take when various troubles occur on a telecommunications network. Thus, the trouble management data 136 can itself be used to solve various problems that occur in the day-to-day operation of communicating international dated traffic.

The various data described above is provided to application 110, which then presents switch update information or produces an output stream in the form of switch translations 138. A switch is a conventional communications network device that is a mechanical, electrical or electronic device that opens or closes circuits, completes or breaks an electrical path, or selects paths or circuits. Switches come in a variety of flavors such as data switches, voice switches, and routers, which are intelligent data switches. “Switch translations” refers to the interpretation by a switching system of all or part of a destination code, which determines the routing of a call. The switch translations 138 include information used to program one or more switches 140 that implement an international call routing path.

In one embodiment of the present invention, application 110 receives the various data inputted and described above and presents in a logical manner the information necessary for a switch translations analyst to program a switch. In another embodiment, application 110 actually provides the switch translations 138 and reconfigures the one or more switches 140 needed to implement a desired international-routing path in the most economical manner. The switches 140 can then provide information back to the quality data 126, which can be injected into and received by application 110 to further affect the resourcefulness of a telecommunications network. Thus, where the prior-arts systems include only fragments of data that could possibly be used to help determine a least-cost routing path, the present invention receives all data necessary from all sources necessary to automatically construct and determine a least-cost routing path and either presents that information on a graphical user interface to a communicatively coupled display device or actually creates a switch update transaction that is communicated for one or more switches 140 necessary to implement the least-cost routing path.

A skilled artisan can glean various functional aspects of application 110 by providing one or more screen shots of the user interface presented by application 110. Accordingly, FIGS. 2-6 are selected representative screen shots indicating certain functional aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a screen shot illustrating an International Direct Distance Dial (IDDD) for India. The screen shot of FIG. 2 is intended to be merely illustrative and should not be construed to limit the present invention. Providing the screen shot of FIG. 2 allows a greater elaboration of the functionality offered by application 110.

In an upper left pane of FIG. 2, the country is identified along with its country code (“91” for India), the originating carrier, and the product. In this example, the originating carrier is the SPRINT COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY (SPRINT). The product is “IDDD”, see FIG. 2. Other products such as data products, hard patch or Virtual Private Network (VPN) products can also be presented. In another pane of the user interface illustrated in FIG. 2, a scrollable sheet indicates various work orders. This sheet can show information related to a work order, its status, applicable users, service type, start date, due date, and the date that the work order was completed. As shown, work order “19818” is highlighted. The most current Work order “19818” is in an “international translations” status where the type of service includes a city code change. Work order “19818” was started on Dec. 11, 2002, at 3:00 p.m. and is calculated to be completed the following day by 11:00. This screen also allows the ability to select allocated carriers and overflow carriers along with a cost associated with each. All comments are provided for each work order with a scroll down functionality.

Another scrollable screen area provides information related to city code groups and the minimum and maximum number of dialed digits, which are a subset of dialed digits data 120. For the example depicted in FIG. 2, calling Bangalore requires at least nine but no more than twelve digits be dialed or the call will not be completed. Accordingly, system 100 would create a translations request to implement those instructions in the switch to reach Bangalore, India. Two tabs are shown in FIG. 2.

The first tab is a city codes tab, which is not shown in detail. The city codes tab lists the various international city codes associated with a particular country. Some countries can have tens or even hundreds of city codes. Those city codes are easily observed and presented to a user under this tab. Each set of city codes can be designated by a specific group name, for instance, in this example; you can see Bangalore, BSNL Mobile, and Calcutta.

Another tab is an implementation tab, which is entitled “Implementation of Bangalore”. The data reflected in the implementation tab is related to the selection made at the top of the screen. Work order “19818” is the selection at the top of the screen. From the implementation tab, it can be seen that BELL SOUTH is a reseller of 25 percent of the routed traffic in this scenario. This means that SPRINT has allocated that 25 percent of the traffic through this communications channel should be allocated to BELL SOUTH, which is a reseller in this example. C&W, see FIG. 2, is also a reseller, and it is configured to receive a 25 percent allocation as well. PRIMUS and TELIA are two additional resellers that each receives a 25 percent allocation of data traffic. A user is also able to define overflow backup carriers, as shown for reseller Bell South, Telia is the first backup carrier, then Primus, C&W, see FIG. 2, etcetera.

A “comments” section is also provided in a screen shot of FIG. 2. The “comments” section is automatically populated and tracks the changes that a user makes with information such as time, date, and name. Additional comments can be added in a dedicated screen area, below the “comments” section.

One skilled in the art could observe the various buttons and controls presented on the screen shot of FIG. 2 to determine additional functionality not described in greater detail herein but contemplated within the scope of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a screen shot of configuration details for an active work order, which is illustratively shown for work order “19818” of FIG. 2. As previously described in one embodiment, application 110 can present to a user all the information necessary to implement a switch update that configures a desired routing path to be set up. The screen shot of FIG. 3 has two panes: a left pane and a right pane. The left pane is entitled “Configuration Details for Active Work Order,” while the right pane is entitled “Summary of Changes for Active Work Order.” The right pane summarizes the changes that need to be implemented in a switch for an active work order. This summary greatly simplifies the work that a switch translations analyst must do in order to update a switch and is a novel aspect of the present invention.

In a limited space shown toward the bottom of the “Summary of Changes” pane are enumerated commands that a switch translations analyst is to follow in order to update one or more switches. As can be seen from this example, there are no minimum/maximum values to change. Similarly, there are no city codes to be added. If one were to scroll down through the list of changes, a switch translations analyst would simply need to read what changes need to be made and implement them in this embodiment. This is a great improvement over an analyst having to determine what changes need to be made based on the various data inputs from various sources not centralized, as they are in FIG. 1.

Moreover, a representation of how the logical data values in the switch should appear is presented in the “Configuration Details for Active Work Order” pane of FIG. 3. This “Configuration Details” pane illustrates what the configuration should actually look like in the respective switch. As shown, the first set of city codes should be “80” only. The minimum/maximum digits correspond to “9/12.” The outbound allocations are consistent with those of FIG. 2. That is, the percentage of amount of traffic is shown to a switch translations analyst in the configuration details pane. Here, “C&W-RESALE” is to receive 25% of the amount of traffic for this trunk. Similarly, “BELL SOUTH” is to receive 25%, “PRIMUS” is to receive 25% and finally “TELIA” is to receive 25% of the allocated traffic. Routing details, as well as the other details shown in FIG. 2, are provided in the configuration pane of FIG. 3. The corresponding backups with the respective trunk IDs are also provided. Using the “Configuration Details” screen in conjunction with the “Summary of Changes” screen enables a switch translations analyst to determine what changes need to be made and provides a benchmark representation of how the configurations within one or more switch(s) 140 should appear. This sort of comparison and testing platform greatly reduces the likelihood of errors propagating through a communications network. In one embodiment, this information is processed and application 110 provides a switch update command to the switch(s) necessary to implement the Least Cost Routing (LCR) path.

FIG. 4 demonstrates that application 110 can provide to a user a summary sheet indicating open configurations and their current statuses. From FIG. 4 it can be seen that a description, type, country, originating carrier, and completion status can be depicted in a single screen. Search criteria can be entered at the top of the screen.

FIG. 5 is a screen shot of a work queue. From this screen users can determine what needs to be completed on a day-to-day basis. For instance, the work orders shown in FIG. 5 correspond to the work orders related to international translations, which for illustrative purposes, will be handled by an International Translations Department. FIG. 5 illustrates that there are twenty work orders to be completed. These work orders can be sorted by clicking on the various column headings, such as “work order,” “due date,” “country name,” “originating carrier,” “product,” “service type,” or “queue.” The user can also access work orders for other departments by selecting them from the drop down menu and then pressing the “refresh” button. In a preferred embodiment, the work orders presented in this work order queue are based on and filtered consistent with a specific person who logs in to the system 100. The screen shot of FIG. 5 illustrates that a person working in the International Translations Department, “ITRNS,” has logged onto the system. Accordingly, the work orders shown are those that correspond to the International Translations Department.

FIG. 6 shows a screen shot of various reference data relating to international city services database. This screen illustrates a functional aspect of application 110, whereby a user can associate various city codes with various cities. This is useful because not all databases accurately reflect cities and their corresponding city codes. The screen shot of FIG. 6 demonstrates how a user can observe or enter city codes that correspond to various cities. Thus when the user is presented with an opportunity or offer to purchase minutes from a certain provider, the user will have a better idea of how to allocate resources and determine a price for those minutes. Because the right pane includes various city code groups, such as paging, New Deli, mobile, etc., a user can click on a specific category and get the city codes associated with that selection. For instance, a user could select mobile and determine the entire different city codes associated with mobile phone numbers that ring to India.

The present invention also allows new circuits and current circuits to be tested before being deployed. Testing trunk groups before they are actually placed into service reduces the likelihood that problems will occur during user operation. FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary process for carrying out confidence testing. Confidence testing is testing that ensures that the circuits actually work. At a step 702, interconnection is made with a carrier. This interconnection can be an establishment and identification of a carrier code and an agreement to bring up service to specific countries.

After the trunk is interconnected with the carrier, it is identified at a step 704. New trunks are identified for application 110 to reference in the future. Confidence test is generated at a step 706. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that a confidence test can assume a variety of formats and test a variety of features. The confidence test can test the integrity of the line, throughput of the line, bandwidth of the line or other variables, as would be understood by a skilled artisan. At a step 708, an order is submitted for performance monitoring. It is during this step that a confidence test administered in step 706 is observed to determine the integrity of the new trunk group; usually routing selected traffic at a small percentage. At a step 710, the results from the confidence test are inputted into application 110. With the data in application 110, corrective measures can be implemented to remedy problems surfaced and determined during confidence testing.

FIG. 8 represents an illustrative process for conducting route testing. Route testing is a process to determine whether a trunk works for a specific country or city. At step 802, cost negotiation is conducted with various carriers. The new costs are analyzed for potential opportunities at a step 804. At a step 806, a determination is made as to whether a specific trunk is available. If a trunk is unavailable, then a note is made that the trunk represents an invalid route request at a step 808. If the trunk is available, then the test requested is generated at a step 810. This test request can include a request for a variety of tests, such as a transmission quality test, communications test, etc. Those skilled in the art will appreciate the litany of tests that can be generated. The test that was decided at step 810 is performed at a step 812. A determination is made at step a 814 as to whether the trunk passed the test. If so, application 110 is updated that the route is available at a step 816. If the test did not pass, troubleshooting begins at a step 818.

Troubleshooting can involve isolating the source of the problem that is causing the performance degradation in the respective trunk route. Next a determination is made as to whether the troubleshooting resolved the problem at a step 820. If so, the application 110 is updated that the trunk is now available at a step 816. If the problem was not solved at a step 820, then the problem is again troubleshot at a step 822. After troubleshooting occurs, another determination is made as to whether the troubleshooting in step 822 solved the problem. If the determination made at a step 824 is “yes,” that the problem was resolved, then flow continues to step 812 where the test is reperformed on the trunk. If, however the problem was not solved through troubleshooting at step 822, then the test is “closed as a defective test” at a step 826.

As can be seen, the present invention and its equivalents are well adapted to provide a new and useful method for efficiently determining a least-cost routing path to communicate international traffic. Many different arrangements of the various components depicted, as well as components not shown, are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

The present invention has been described in relation to particular embodiments, which are intended in all respects to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Alternative embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art that do not depart from its scope. Many alternative embodiments exist but are not included because of the nature of this invention. A skilled programmer may develop alternative means of implementing the aforementioned improvements without departing from the scope of the present invention.

It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations and are contemplated within the scope of the claims. Not all steps listed in the various figures need be carried out in the specific order described. 

1. One or more computer-readable media having computer useable instructions embodied thereon for enabling a user to determine a least-cost path to route international communications, said method comprising the steps of: receiving a plurality of data values that affect the determination of said least-cost path; presenting said plurality of data values on a single user interface, wherein said least-cost path can be determined in response to observing said variables; automatically generating a switch configuration to effect said least-cost path; presenting the switch configuration to an operator; and communicating commands programmed by the operator based on the switch configuration to each switch included in the least-cost path, wherein said least-cost path is established in response to each switch executing said switch configuration.
 2. The media of claim 1, wherein receiving a plurality of data values comprises receiving cost data, network data, and dialing data.
 3. The media of claim 2, wherein receiving said cost data comprises receiving cost information associated with placing said call based on a source and a destination of said call.
 4. The media of claim 3, wherein receiving said cost data further comprises receiving said cost information associated with placing said call during a specific time of day.
 5. The media of claim 4, wherein receiving cost data further comprises receiving said cost information associated with placing said call based on a type of service requested.
 6. The media of claim 5, wherein said type of service requested includes at least one selection from the group comprising: land line, mobile, satellite, prepaid, voice grade, data grade, video grade, and high bandwidth.
 7. The media of claim 6, wherein receiving cost data further comprises ranking said cost data.
 8. The media of claim 2, wherein receiving network data comprises receiving infrastructure information associated with available paths to route said call.
 9. The media of claim 8, wherein infrastructure information includes at least one selection from the group comprising valid trunk data, naming convention data, trunk identification data, capacity availability data, and available carrier routes.
 10. The media of claim 2, wherein receiving dialing data comprises receiving digit information.
 11. The media of claim 10, wherein digit information includes at least one selection from the group comprising: valid dialed digits, valid minimum and maximum number of dialed digits, and an international dialing plan.
 12. The media of claim 2, further comprising receiving quality assurance data.
 13. The media of claim 12, wherein said quality assurance data includes at least one selection from the group comprising: grade of service, answer/seizure ratio, and load balancing data.
 14. The media of claim 1, wherein said single user interface includes a plurality of fields to display said data values in a human readable format.
 15. The media of claim 14, wherein said plurality of fields comprises at least one selection from the following: text fields, radio buttons, drop down menus, multiple sheets, reports, checkboxes, lists, and charts.
 16. In a telecommunications networking environment, a method for determining the least-expensive path to route international communications, comprising: identifying a plurality of variables that affect the determination of said path; receiving within a single application a plurality of data values respectively corresponding to said plurality of variables; presenting said plurality of data values on a single user interface, wherein said least-expensive path can be determined in response to observing said variables; automatically generating switch updates to implement said least-expensive path; and automatically communicating said switch updates to each switch associated with said least-expensive path, wherein said least-expensive path is established in response to each switch receiving and processing said switch updates.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein identifying said plurality of variables comprises identifying one or more of the following: cost data, network data, and dialing data.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein receiving the plurality of data values comprises receiving said cost data, network data, and/or dialing data.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein said cost data comprises information associated with placing said call based on an origination and a destination of said call.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein said cost data further comprises information associated with placing said call based on a specific time of day.
 21. The method of claim 20, wherein cost data further comprises information associated with placing said call based on a type of service requested.
 22. The method of claim 21, wherein said type of service includes at least one selection from the group comprising: land line, mobile, satellite, prepaid, voice grade, data grade, video grade, and high-bandwidth.
 23. The method of claim 22, wherein cost data further comprises ranking said cost data.
 24. The method of claim 17, wherein said network data comprises infrastructure information associated with available paths to route said call.
 25. The method of claim 24, wherein infrastructure information includes at least one selection from the group comprising valid trunk data, naming convention data, trunk identification data, capacity availability data, and available carrier routes.
 26. The method of claim 18, wherein receiving dialing data comprises receiving digit information.
 27. The method of claim 26, wherein digit information includes at least one selection from the group comprising: valid dialed digits, valid minimum and maximum number of dialed digits, and an international dialing plan.
 28. The method of claim 17, wherein identifying said plurality of data values further comprises identifying feedback data.
 29. The method of claim 28, where said feedback data comprises system update data such that said application is updated in response to processing said system update data.
 30. The method of claim 28, wherein identifying said plurality of data values further comprises identifying quality assurance data.
 31. The method of claim 30, wherein said quality assurance data includes at least one selection from the group comprising: grade-of-service, answer/seizure ratio, and load balancing data.
 32. The method of claim 16, wherein said single user interface includes a plurality of fields to display said data values in a human readable format.
 33. The method of claim 32, wherein said plurality of fields comprises at least one selection from the following: text fields, radio buttons, drop down menus, multiple sheets, reports, checkboxes, lists, and charts.
 34. A method for establishing an international communications link, comprising: identifying a plurality of data elements that are variables in determining a least-expensive routing path; receiving said plurality of data elements by a single application; presenting said plurality of data elements on a single user interface; determining one or more switch update command(s) in response to observing said variables that will enable said communications link over the least-expensive routing path when implemented by one or more telecommunications switches; and communicating said switch update command(s) to said one or more switches associated with the least-expensive routing path.
 35. The method of claim 34, wherein receiving said plurality of data elements comprises receiving at least one of the following: cost data, network infrastructure data, digit data, quality-of-service data, and update data.
 36. The method of claim 35, wherein said cost data comprises data relating to the cost of implementing said communications link.
 37. The method of claim 36, wherein said cost data further comprises cost information associated with a type of service.
 38. The method of claim 37, wherein said type of service includes at least one selection from the group comprising: land line, mobile, satellite, prepaid, voice grade, data grade, video grade, and high bandwidth.
 39. The method of claim 35, wherein network infrastructure data includes data regarding a plurality of possible physical network paths to establish said communications link.
 40. The method of claim 39, wherein network infrastructure data further comprises trunk validity data and trunk naming data.
 41. The method of claim 35, wherein digit data comprises dialing information associated with digits that are dialed to complete a call carried by said communications link.
 42. The method of claim 41, wherein dialing information comprises a selection from the following: a digit validity detection component, an international dialing plan component, and a digit string length validation component.
 43. The method of claim 35, wherein quality-of-service data comprises communications link quality data that conveys the quality of a signal propagated through said communications link.
 44. The method of claim 43, wherein communications link quality data comprises a selection from the following: grade-of-service data, answer/seizure ratio data, and load balancing data.
 45. The method of claim 35, wherein update data comprises update information to correct outdated or erroneous data in said application.
 46. The method of claim 34, wherein presenting said plurality of data elements on a single user interface comprises formatting said data elements for presentation on a display device to be read by a user.
 47. The method of claim 46, wherein said single user interface includes a plurality of presentation controls to present said data elements on said display.
 48. The method of claim 47, wherein said plurality of presentation controls includes a selection from the group comprising: text fields, radio buttons, drop down menus, multiple sheets, reports, checkboxes, lists, and charts.
 49. The method of claim 34, wherein determining one or more switch update command(s) comprises assembling an update string processable by said one or more switches.
 50. The method of claim 49, wherein said update string includes commands necessary to establish said communications link.
 51. The method of claim 50, wherein communicating said switch update command(s) to said one or more switches includes communicating said switch update command(s) through a plurality of intermediary network components to arrive at said switch.
 52. A system in a telecommunications networking environment for determining the least expensive routing path of international communications traffic, comprising: a data-receiving component for receiving a plurality of data values that affect the determination of said routing path; a memory for storing said data values; and a user interface component for presenting said plurality of data values on a display device, wherein said least-expensive routing path can be determined in response to observing said variables, and for presenting switch updates to implement said least-expensive routing path.
 53. The system of claim 52, wherein said memory includes volatile or nonvolatile memory for storing said data values momentarily, temporarily, or permanently.
 54. The system of claim 53, wherein said plurality of data values comprise at least one of the following: cost data, network infrastructure data, digit data, quality-of-service data, and update data.
 55. The system of claim 53, wherein network infrastructure data includes data regarding a plurality of possible physical network paths to establish said communications link.
 56. The system of claim 53, wherein digit data comprises dialing information associated with digits that are dialed to complete a call carried by said communications link.
 57. The system of claim 53, wherein quality-of-service data comprises communications link quality data that conveys the quality of a signal propagated through said communications link.
 58. The system of claim 54, wherein update data comprises update information to correct outdated or erroneous data in said application.
 59. The system of claim 52, wherein said user-interface component comprises formatting elements for presenting said data values on said display device.
 60. The system of claim 59, wherein said display device comprises a selection from the following: a monitor, a hand-held computer, a personal data assistant, a flat panel display, and a television.
 61. The system of claim 60, wherein said user-interface component further comprises a plurality of presentation controls to present said data values on said display.
 62. The system of claim 52, further comprising a routing command assembler component for assembling an update string processable by said one or more switches.
 63. The system of claim 62, wherein said update string includes commands necessary to establish said communications link.
 64. The system of claim 63, further comprising a switch command-sending component for communicating said switch update command(s) to said one or more switches.
 65. An international call routing system for determining a least-cost routing path of international communications within a communications network, comprising: a data-receiving component for receiving a plurality of data values that affect the determination of said least-cost routing path; a switch-command generator for creating a switch command in response to receiving said plurality of data values, wherein said switch command is processable by one or more switches in said network to establish said least-cost routing path; and a report generator to provide a summary of the switch commands that establish said least-cost routing path. 